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FCC Must Not Lose Sight of Overarching MF II Challenge Process Goal; Standardized, Reliable Data Will Help Determine Areas Eligible for Support

Washington, DC – February 7, 2018 – Today, in an ex parte filed with the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”), Competitive Carriers Association (“CCA”) encouraged the Commission not to lose sight of the primary purpose for conducting the Mobility Fund II (“MF II”) challenge process. CCA urged the Commission to adopt process procedures that are achievable and administrable and to ensure that the determination of area eligibility is as accurate as possible to help bring much-needed mobile broadband services to unserved and underserved areas.

“I commend the FCC for its work to improve the data collection process to help ensure critical Mobility Fund II support reaches unserved and underserved areas,” said CCA President & CEO Steven K. Berry. “Competitive carriers serve many of these rural areas still in need of mobile broadband services, and accurate, reliable data is absolutely essential to properly identify areas eligible for MF II support. The challenge process is no doubt an important part of the MF II program, and I encourage the Commission to remain focused on the overarching goal – helping to close the digital divide with accurate coverage information.”

“The FCC should consider all factors and take an aggregate approach to coverage speeds in an area to collect standardized coverage data. Providers may reduce network speed for a variety of reasons which may lead to varying submissions, and the FCC must be mindful not to allow manipulated data in the MF II challenge process. The MF II program provides a real opportunity to better the lives and economic opportunities for consumers in unserved and underserved areas. I commend the Commission for its work to improve the data collection process and urge the FCC to remain focused on the primary goal of bringing broadband to rural America.”

About CCA
CCA is the nation’s leading association for competitive wireless providers and stakeholders across the United States. The licensed service area of CCA’s nearly 100 carrier members covers 95 percent of the nation. Visit www.ccamobile.org.